Mud-nester

Guides

• Osmia lignaria

  blue orchard bee, orchard mason bee, BOB

  A solitary megachilid bee native to North America, widely managed for pollination of early spring fruit crops including almonds, apples, and cherries. Distinguished by metallic blue coloration, smaller size than honey bees, and unique mud-nesting behavior. Divided into two subspecies by the Rocky Mountains: O. l. propinqua (west) and O. l. lignaria (east).

  pollinatormason-beesolitary-beeorchard-beenative-beemanaged-beespring-beecavity-nestermud-nesterimidacloprid-sensitivityHoudini-fly-parasite